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Title: 'Persistent heterogeneity' v. 'state dependence': A cross-sectional test of Gottfredson and Hirschi's low self-control stability hypothesis.
Creator: Medlicott, Sandra, Florida Atlantic University, Arneklev, Bruce J.
Abstract/Description: In A General Theory Of Crime Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) suggest that "low self-control" is an enduring individual characteristic that is the product of inadequate child-rearing. Sampson and Laub's (1993) Crime In the Making: Pathways and Turning Points Through Life somewhat supports this contention. However, the latter authors also suggest that later life experiences might change the direction of the life path (and self-control). This thesis examines whether adequate child-rearing is the...
Show moreIn A General Theory Of Crime Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) suggest that "low self-control" is an enduring individual characteristic that is the product of inadequate child-rearing. Sampson and Laub's (1993) Crime In the Making: Pathways and Turning Points Through Life somewhat supports this contention. However, the latter authors also suggest that later life experiences might change the direction of the life path (and self-control). This thesis examines whether adequate child-rearing is the key causal determinant of low self-control in later life. It further tests whether later life-course transitions might alter and/or impact low self-control. The results suggest that the impact of early child-hood experiences continue to have an influence on self-control in later life. However, they also suggest that later life-course events (or transitions) can alter the proposed stability of such control. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13363
Subject Headings: Self-control in children, Child rearing, Deviant behavior, Juvenile delinquency--Cross-cultural studies, Criminal behavior, Prediction of
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Career decision-making self-efficacy, occupational preferences, and gender: A study of undergraduate students at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Creator: Aleidan, Mohamed Abdullah, Florida Atlantic University, Nyhan, Ronald C., Thai, Khi V.
Abstract/Description: After many years of substantial investments by the Saudi Arabian government in the education of its citizens, the results, especially in the area of employment, are felt by many to be less than satisfactory. While various factors may be contributing to the rising problem of unemployment in the country, the one focused on in this study was the relationship between self-efficacy and career choices. Specifically, the study examined the relationships between career decision-making self-efficacy,...
Show moreAfter many years of substantial investments by the Saudi Arabian government in the education of its citizens, the results, especially in the area of employment, are felt by many to be less than satisfactory. While various factors may be contributing to the rising problem of unemployment in the country, the one focused on in this study was the relationship between self-efficacy and career choices. Specifically, the study examined the relationships between career decision-making self-efficacy, occupational preferences, and gender. Career decision-making self-efficacy was measured with an existing scale (CDMSES-SF). An instrument was designed in this study to measure occupational preferences. The surveys were administered to 476 male and 424 female undergraduate students at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The results of the study found no significant relationship between gender and career decision-making self-efficacy. There were, however, a significant relationship between gender and career preferences for such occupations as accounting/finance, administration, computer technology, engineering, security, and social services fields; while in the education, health, and law fields no significant relationships were found. Career decision-making self-efficacy was not related to occupational preferences for any of the fields in this study. The relationship between career decision-making self-efficacy and occupational preferences is not affected by gender. The results show that, for males and females, there is no relationship between career decision-making self-efficacy and occupational preference within gender for traditionally male-dominated fields, for traditionally female-dominated fields, or for the neutral fields. The negative results of the study provide evidence that the general level of CDMSE is low for males and for females. The study concluded that the results of this study were inconsistent with previous studies that have reported gender differences in career self-efficacy in general and in self-efficacy for the female-dominated versus the male-dominated occupations. The study concludes with policy recommendations directed at helping students improve their CDMSE scores. These recommendations are career development programs, career counseling, job fairs, database information, and government financial support. Further research is suggested to enhance the findings and validity of this study.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11986
Subject Headings: College students--Saudi Arabia, Vocational guidance--Sex differences, Self-efficacy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Capital budgeting in American county governments: Analysis of current practices.
Creator: Sekwat, Alex Sube, Florida Atlantic University, Thai, Khi V.
Abstract/Description: This study analyzes the current practices of capital budgeting in American county governments. The analysis includes a determination of the factors believed to influence the use of a capital budget in counties. The bulk of the data for the study were gathered by means of survey research. A questionnaire was designed, pre-tested, and administered to a select group of county finance officers across the United States. Stratified random sampling procedures were employed in the selection of the...
Show moreThis study analyzes the current practices of capital budgeting in American county governments. The analysis includes a determination of the factors believed to influence the use of a capital budget in counties. The bulk of the data for the study were gathered by means of survey research. A questionnaire was designed, pre-tested, and administered to a select group of county finance officers across the United States. Stratified random sampling procedures were employed in the selection of the sample frame. Limited supplementary data obtained from secondary sources were also used. Descriptive statistics, measures of association, and logistic regression procedures were used in the analysis and interpretation of the data. The analysis of the data using contingency tables and measures of association reveal a significant relationship between the dependent variable, i.e., the use of a capital budget, and several independent variables, notably: degree of urbanization, form of government, state requirements, capital improvement program (CIP), federal grants, state grants, and a periodic inspection program. No significant relationship was established between the use of a capital budget and the following independent variables: geographic region, risk and uncertainty, and size of capital budget or capital investments. Moreover, the analysis of the results reveals that counties with capital budget in contrast to counties without a one have a higher incidence and are more predisposed to: (1) utilize a CIP, (2) receive intergovernmental grants for capital investments, (3) consider risk and uncertainty in evaluating capital investment proposals, (4) have their infrastructure facilities in fairly good physical condition, (5) employ a periodic inspection program, (6) tend to have a large population (urban), and (7) have an elected or appointed professional administrator. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was used to determine the covariates that have a strong explanatory power of the dependent variable. After testing several models, the parsimonious and best fitting model contained the following variables, and interaction terms: urbanization, state requirements, use a of CIP, interaction of federal grants and urbanization, and interaction of state grants and state requirements. Overall, the results from descriptive statistics, measures of association, and logistic regression analysis, seem to suggest that county governments that use a capital budget performed slightly better than counties without a capital budget when the independent variables are considered as performance indicators.
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Date Issued: 1994
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12361
Subject Headings: County Budgets--Appropriations and Expenditures, County Budgets--United States, Capital Budget--United States
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Analysis of government strategies to achieve industrial competitiveness: A comparative case study of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China.
Creator: Chang, Yanru, Florida Atlantic University, Washington, Charles W.
Abstract/Description: The desire to understand the reasons behind high economic growth and increased manufacturing exports in East Asian countries has generated considerable debate and study of the strategies employed by East Asian governments. This study explores a general claim that there exists an Asian Model, typified by the Japanese government's strategy since the end of WWII to 1980, which has been followed by other East Asian governments to achieve remarkable economic performance. The Asian Model is...
Show moreThe desire to understand the reasons behind high economic growth and increased manufacturing exports in East Asian countries has generated considerable debate and study of the strategies employed by East Asian governments. This study explores a general claim that there exists an Asian Model, typified by the Japanese government's strategy since the end of WWII to 1980, which has been followed by other East Asian governments to achieve remarkable economic performance. The Asian Model is characterized by strategies to promote high savings, high investment, education, industrial targeting, exports, and protection of home markets and industries. This dissertation compares and contrasts government strategies adopted by Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China. The Wheel-Spokes Model, developed by the author, is used as an analytical framework to conduct the comparative case study. It comprises six dimensions: industrial structure, investment, human resources, technology, market, and timing. This study reveals that there are similarities but significant differences in strategies adopted by these four governments to pursue national industrial competitiveness. The study also finds that there is no single Asian Model followed by the case-study governments. Each government's strategies were unique to select industries and support a certain industry structure, open or close markets to foreign capital, target the level of technology, prepare human resources, set up market protection, and choose strategic timing to build its industrial competitiveness. These differences reflect public policy preferences by the case governments, and they lead to a different industrial strength and level of competitiveness for each case country. The study recognizes the need for balance and consistency among the six major strategy areas represented by each dimension of the Wheel-Spokes Model in government strategy making. It makes recommendations for public policy initiatives and highlights the value of comparative studies in public policy and administration.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11940
Subject Headings: Competition--Government policy--Econometric models, Industrial policy--Econometric models, Competition--Government policy--Japan, Competition--Government policy--Korea (South), Competition--Government policy--Taiwan, Competition--Government policy--China
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessing organizational effectiveness: The impact of drug court processes on offender behavior change.
Creator: Senjo, Scott Robert, Florida Atlantic University, Leip, Leslie A.
Abstract/Description: The issue of drugs and crime maintains a high rank among the complexities which confront the American system of criminal justice. The "treatment drug court" represents an innovative response by policymakers to address drug use and its relationship to criminal activity. Treatment drug court is a court-monitored drug treatment program for people arrested for felony use or possession of illegal drugs. Many defendants select the drug court option rather than probation because most drug courts...
Show moreThe issue of drugs and crime maintains a high rank among the complexities which confront the American system of criminal justice. The "treatment drug court" represents an innovative response by policymakers to address drug use and its relationship to criminal activity. Treatment drug court is a court-monitored drug treatment program for people arrested for felony use or possession of illegal drugs. Many defendants select the drug court option rather than probation because most drug courts will dismiss the original felony charges upon successful completion of the court's drug treatment program. This dissertation is a focus on the unique "collaborative support" developed and implemented by the officers in the drug court to address the problem of drugs and crime. Using a descriptive case study and an observational design, a cohort of 100 drug court participants were observed during their participation in the intensive drug court treatment program, including appearances before the drug court itself for periodic monitoring by the court. Utilizing a comprehensive data collection scheme, statistical analyses were conducted to identify the features of the drug court program which had the greatest influence on achieving the drug court's goals. Research findings indicate that the court is an effective organization based on the collaborative support implemented on behalf of the offenders in the program. With the combination of progressive sanctions and collaborative support for offenders the court is found to make a pointed effort to address drug use. The court seeks to permanently alter the root of the problem, the need for drugs, rather than passively dealing with symptoms of the problem. While other criminal courts are laden with drug addicted defendants who revolve in and out of the criminal justice system, the drug court engages in a constructive form of problem solving, seeking to resolve, rather than merely process cases.
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Date Issued: 1998
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12569
Subject Headings: Drug courts, Drug abuse--Treatment, Drug abuse and crime
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Defense acquisition and self-governed compliance programs: An evaluation of the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct.
Creator: Penska, Kenneth Kern, Florida Atlantic University, Thai, Khi V.
Abstract/Description: Research and a review of the related literature indicate that the United States defense industry has had a long history of unethical and illegal business practices. Recent polls find that most Americans believe that their nation's weapon acquisition system is one of the worst managed activities in the public or private sectors. The perception of our government as well as the general public is that the defense industry is neither efficient nor honestly managed. Although the defense acquisition...
Show moreResearch and a review of the related literature indicate that the United States defense industry has had a long history of unethical and illegal business practices. Recent polls find that most Americans believe that their nation's weapon acquisition system is one of the worst managed activities in the public or private sectors. The perception of our government as well as the general public is that the defense industry is neither efficient nor honestly managed. Although the defense acquisition process has been the subject of many reform efforts, it is reasonable to ask whether these reform efforts have had any success. The Defense Industry Initiatives on Business Ethics and Conduct, commonly known as DII, was the defense industry's program response to the concern regarding ethical business practices in defense procurement. This study performs an evaluation of the Defense Industry Initiative on Business Ethics and Conduct in an attempt to determine the impact of this self-governed compliance program. For an overall industry perspective regarding ethical business practices, interrupted time series analysis was employed to determine what effect DII had on reducing unethical behavior in defense procurement. In addition, members of the DII, non-DII member defense firms, government procurement agencies (all services), government oversight agencies, Pentagon officials, and Congressional staffs were surveyed to draw comparisons between the members of DII and these other non-DII groups. The survey addressed questions related to the Defense Industry Initiative, the existing regulations that attempt to deter unethical procurement practices, and the characteristics of the compliance program.
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Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12594
Subject Headings: Defense contracts--Moral and ethical aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Bureaucratic Discretion in Policy Implementation : The Case of Adjudicating Juveniles as Adults in Florida.
Creator: Schrouder, Sandra M., Leip, Leslie A., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this dissertation is to explore the use of bureaucratic discretion by juvenile prosecutors and identify various factors influencing discretion in the implementation of juvenile transfer provision laws in Florida. The study contributes to the sparse literature on bureaucratic discretion by providing a framework of the factors influencing discretion. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used in the case study of Florida. The dissertation embraces the idea of...
Show moreThe purpose of this dissertation is to explore the use of bureaucratic discretion by juvenile prosecutors and identify various factors influencing discretion in the implementation of juvenile transfer provision laws in Florida. The study contributes to the sparse literature on bureaucratic discretion by providing a framework of the factors influencing discretion. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used in the case study of Florida. The dissertation embraces the idea of methodological pluralism by combining the findings of extensive interviews conducted with chief juvenile prosecutors along with descriptive analyses of archival data garnered from Florida's Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). This research is important since it provides essential policy information through the various factors that emerge from the study. The findings of the study provide greater insight into understanding how bureaucrats make decisions and could prove useful in explaining various policy outcomes resulting from the use of discretion in public organizations. The findings of the research indicate that the discretion of chief juvenile prosecutors is influenced by a number of factors, including organizational factors, external influences, client attributes, and characteristics of the bureaucrat.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000612
Subject Headings: Juvenile justice, Administration of--Florida, Transfer of cause--Florida, Prosecution--Florida--Decision making, Law--Political aspects, Administrative discretion, Judicial discretion
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Comparing regulatory and distributive police programs for crime reduction: An evaluation of effectiveness and efficiency.
Creator: Carroll, John J., Florida Atlantic University, Ben-Zadok, Efraim
Abstract/Description: Lowi's "arenas of power" theory, one of the most basic policy typologies, was the theoretical foundation for this study. Most public policies can be classified as either regulatory or distributive. Regulatory policy addresses the enforcement power of government. Distributive policy is about providing benefits to selected members of society, financed as a public good. The intention of this study is to comparatively analyze two different police programs. The study stepped back from criminal...
Show moreLowi's "arenas of power" theory, one of the most basic policy typologies, was the theoretical foundation for this study. Most public policies can be classified as either regulatory or distributive. Regulatory policy addresses the enforcement power of government. Distributive policy is about providing benefits to selected members of society, financed as a public good. The intention of this study is to comparatively analyze two different police programs. The study stepped back from criminal justice literature to public policy theory, to consider other ways to assess police strategies to reduce crime. Theory was linked to the practice of policing by examining regulatory policy in relation to crime control and distributive policy to crime prevention. The Truancy Reduction Program was selected as an example of regulatory policy/crime control, and the School Resource Officer Program as distributive policy/crime prevention. This is an exploratory analysis, using a quantitative case study methodology. The Broward Sheriff's Office (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) was selected as the case study. The data were drawn from six consecutive school years (1995--2001) of actual documents. The intent was to explore, not establish a causal relationship between the programs and crime reduction, because other major external factors existed beyond the scope of this analysis. The "universal" concepts of effectiveness and efficiency were adapted to create a multi-criteria evaluation of the program outcomes. The central research question essentially asked if one program (and therefore, policy) was more effective and/or efficient than the other. In this study, effectiveness refers to the relationship between program goals and outcomes, while efficiency refers to the relationship between costs and outcomes. To examine effectiveness, the fixed effects pooled time series technique for panel data was employed. To examine efficiency, an efficiency ratio was created to compare program costs against the costs of crime. A relationship was established between each program, crime reduction, and effectiveness and efficiency. The final phase was comparative, employing a multivariate analysis of variance, to determine if one policy was more effective and efficient. The results were inconclusive. The study makes recommendations for future research, discusses implications of the analyses for public administration, and concluding comments.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT12025
Subject Headings: Crime prevention, Criminal justice, Administration of, Distributive justice, Community policing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neutral competence, political guidance and administrative autonomy: A structural equation model of the politics-administration dichotomy.
Creator: Demir, Tansu., Florida Atlantic University, Miller, Hugh T.
Abstract/Description: The politics-administration dichotomy has been one of the most disputed theories of public administration. Despite serious challenges and critics, neither the theoretical utility nor the normative power of the dichotomy has totally disappeared over the decades. The dichotomy has been advocated on the grounds that the dichotomous division of labor and authority between elected leadership and administrative leadership is prerequisite for autonomous (and effective) public administration. This...
Show moreThe politics-administration dichotomy has been one of the most disputed theories of public administration. Despite serious challenges and critics, neither the theoretical utility nor the normative power of the dichotomy has totally disappeared over the decades. The dichotomy has been advocated on the grounds that the dichotomous division of labor and authority between elected leadership and administrative leadership is prerequisite for autonomous (and effective) public administration. This dissertation (1) conceptualizes the politics-administration dichotomy, (2) specifies a theoretical model, and (3) tests and evaluates the theoretical model with empirical data collected from a nationwide sample of city managers serving in council-manager local governments. Results of structural equation modeling demonstrate that the internal theoretical logic of the politics-administration dichotomy could not be confirmed with empirical data. The dissertation then discusses implications of the findings for the field of public administration.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12177
Subject Headings: Public administration, Organizational effectiveness, Representative government and representation--United States, Bureaucracy--United States
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Multicultural discourse: A comparative case study of government practices in facilitation of multicultural public discourse in South Florida.
Creator: Stanisevski, Dragan M., Florida Atlantic University, Miller, Hugh T.
Abstract/Description: Modern societies are increasingly becoming more culturally diverse. In theories of multiculturalism and governance two approaches to government involvement in managing the dynamics of multicultural interactions prevail, majoritarian and consociational models of democracy. The discursive model of democracy is offered in this study as an alternative model that allows for citizen engagement in public deliberations of conflicting issues. I argue that government has an active role in facilitating...
Show moreModern societies are increasingly becoming more culturally diverse. In theories of multiculturalism and governance two approaches to government involvement in managing the dynamics of multicultural interactions prevail, majoritarian and consociational models of democracy. The discursive model of democracy is offered in this study as an alternative model that allows for citizen engagement in public deliberations of conflicting issues. I argue that government has an active role in facilitating multicultural discourses in communities. In facilitation of multicultural discourses I consider public recognition of cultural differences as one important element for citizen inclusion in public deliberations. The practices of three county governments in South Florida in facilitation of multicultural discourse are investigated and comparatively examined. The individual cases are investigated and compared on nine dimensions of multicultural discourse, into three broader categories: forms of discourses, components of discourses, and implications of discourses. The comparative examination shows that government facilitation of multicultural discourse assists in resolution of multicultural conflicts in communities and in building awareness and tolerance of cultural specificities of others. It also provides for larger inclusion of socially marginalized cultural groups in policy processes. The extent of the involvement of county governments in South Florida in facilitation of multicultural discourses is often influenced by and contingent on the commitment and receptivity of legislators.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12233
Subject Headings: Multiculturalism--Political aspects--Florida, State, The--Case studies, Representative government and representation--Florida, Cultural pluralism
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Nationalizing the work force of Saudi Arabia: The role of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry training programs in the private sector.
Creator: Al-Ali, Fahad M., Florida Atlantic University, Clare, Donald A.
Abstract/Description: This dissertation examines the role of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) training programs in providing the private sector companies with trained and skilled Saudi workers to help them to nationalize their work force (Saudiization). The study investigates the perception of three groups: current trainees of the CCI's training programs, the training staff of the CCI and private sector managers (Personnel Department managers), regarding the training objectives, training outcomes,...
Show moreThis dissertation examines the role of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) training programs in providing the private sector companies with trained and skilled Saudi workers to help them to nationalize their work force (Saudiization). The study investigates the perception of three groups: current trainees of the CCI's training programs, the training staff of the CCI and private sector managers (Personnel Department managers), regarding the training objectives, training outcomes, general skills, specific skills and overall evaluation of the CCI's training programs. The results of the study show that the perceptions of the three groups are significantly different with respect to the training objectives, training outcomes and the overall evaluation of the CCI's training programs. In most cases, private sector managers have different perception from trainees and training staff. In respect to the general skills (general administrative, behavioral, computer, communication, clerical and safety and security skills), and specific skills (marketing, accounting, finance, personnel management, purchasing management, sales techniques, and inventory management skills), the three groups share common perceptions. All three groups think that these skills are important to be provided by the CCI's training programs to help the private sector to implement Saudiization policy.
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12526
Subject Headings: Manpower policy--Saudi Arabia, Boards of trade--Saudi Arabia, Occupational training--Saudi Arabia
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Foucault's techniques of power in street-level organizations.
Creator: McGinn, Kathleen A., Florida Atlantic University, Miller, Hugh T.
Abstract/Description: This study uses Foucault's (1979, 1983, 1995) theoretical work as a guide in examining relation of power and resistance within the unique context of street-level bureaucracies (Lipsky, 1980). It explores relationships by asking how employees and managers are objectified within street level organizations, if there are any similarities in objectifications across organizations providing different government services, and how these objectifications intersect within relations of power and...
Show moreThis study uses Foucault's (1979, 1983, 1995) theoretical work as a guide in examining relation of power and resistance within the unique context of street-level bureaucracies (Lipsky, 1980). It explores relationships by asking how employees and managers are objectified within street level organizations, if there are any similarities in objectifications across organizations providing different government services, and how these objectifications intersect within relations of power and resistance. As an artifact of the relations of power between street-level bureaucrats and managers, ten purposively selected collectively bargained contract documents from public organizations in Florida are analyzed in this research. Ethnographic Content Analysis (Altheide, 1996) was used to study the collective bargaining agreements selected, with phrases from the documents serving as the unit of analysis. Using Foucault's (1979, 1983a, 1995) descriptions of techniques of power as a guide, four specific protocol matrices were developed, tested and then used to collect and code phrases as illustrative of one or more techniques of power. The results of the analysis are first summarized using displays and matrices. Then, rich illustrations from the data is are discussed in detail, using Foucault's categories of normalization, individualization, panopticism and pastoralism as a framework for presentation. Results of this research demonstrate that, in the collective bargaining agreements analyzed, both 'managers' and 'employees' are objectified in ways that were similar across all of the documents studied. Through techniques of power as theorized by Foucault, 'managers', 'employees', and 'union representatives' are produced, but also constrained as well. The collective bargaining agreements in this analysis serve to 'fix' relationships between these two objectifications that are discursively affirmed as unequal. Constrained by this 'reality', any potential for changing relationships between managers and employees through prescriptions that ask street-level bureaucrats to be 'leaders'; "responsible choice-makers" (Vinzant & Crothers, 1998, p. 154) rather than policy implementers simply carrying out management directives are largely futile. As persuasive as these ideas might be, within the context of this project it is impossible to think of employees in terms of 'leader', given the objectifications of 'employee' and 'manager' found in the documents analyzed.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12193
Subject Headings: Foucault, Michel,--1926-1984--Criticism and interpretation, Interorganizational relations, Power (Philosophy), Power (Social sciences), Control (Psychology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Enforcing budgetary and legal compliance in the government sector: An assessment of preauditing in the state of Kuwait.
Creator: Almutairi, Yousef Mohammad, Florida Atlantic University, Thai, Khi V.
Abstract/Description: Auditing has become both a vital activity that validates correct operations of an accounting system and is an important tool to measure financial and public accountability. Preauditing implementation in Kuwait since 1994 has been designed to ensure and improve compliance with budgetary laws and regulations by governmental units before budget execution. The purpose of this study is to examine whether compliance has been improved in those governmental units that apply preauditing and to...
Show moreAuditing has become both a vital activity that validates correct operations of an accounting system and is an important tool to measure financial and public accountability. Preauditing implementation in Kuwait since 1994 has been designed to ensure and improve compliance with budgetary laws and regulations by governmental units before budget execution. The purpose of this study is to examine whether compliance has been improved in those governmental units that apply preauditing and to determine the factors that affect compliance with budgetary laws and regulations. The research framework is based on a literature review of governmental auditing, enforcement research, and the principal-agent model. Data for this study were obtained from survey questionnaires from financial auditors and managers in governmental units that apply preauditing and those that do not yet apply it. Also, interviews with key public officials added objective and documentary data about preauditing. Factor analysis was employed to summarize the main research independent variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the association and relationship between the independent factors and compliance with budgetary laws and regulations (dependent variable) and test the research hypotheses. The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that four factors had a statistically significant association with the dependent variable. These factors were organizational enforcement of penalties, the financial managers' ethics and discretion, political enforcement by the National Assembly, and organizational control and accountability. About 50% of the variation is explained by the factors in the regression equation. The survey results indicate that preauditing has been successful in leading to improvement in compliance in those governmental units that apply preauditing. This finding is supported by the results of the objective data about the governmental units that applied preauditing for three fiscal years. On the other hand, a one way ANOVA analysis showed no significant statistical difference in regard to improvement in compliance with budgetary laws and regulations between governmental units that apply preauditing and those that do not. Based on the study's findings, practical recommendations are presented to improve compliance and the role of preauditing, as well as suggested directions for future research.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12638
Subject Headings: Compliance auditing--Kuwait, Auditing, Internal, Budget--Kuwait
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Factors that shape attitudes toward privatization: The case of Saudi Arabia.
Creator: Al-Homeadan, Abdullah M., Florida Atlantic University, Thai, Khi V.
Abstract/Description: This dissertation explores the factors that have shaped the attitudes of department heads in the public sector of Saudi Arabia towards privatization. The study assumes that Saudi Arabia's privatization initiative is not ideologically motivated. Therefore, the attitudes of the study sample toward privatization must have been influenced by factors similar or identical to those found in the literature to influence the attitudes of other people outside Saudi Arabia. The results show that the...
Show moreThis dissertation explores the factors that have shaped the attitudes of department heads in the public sector of Saudi Arabia towards privatization. The study assumes that Saudi Arabia's privatization initiative is not ideologically motivated. Therefore, the attitudes of the study sample toward privatization must have been influenced by factors similar or identical to those found in the literature to influence the attitudes of other people outside Saudi Arabia. The results show that the attitudes of the study sample have in fact been influenced by two groups of factors. The first group is related to the private sector. These factors are: The superiority of the private sector's managerial practices, the importance of improving the image of the private sector to draw migrating and foreign investments and reduce international pressures for economic reform, the increases in the capabilities of the private sector, the need to widen the investment base and increase the participation of Saudi citizens in the local economy, the need for a more competitive economy, the need to create new jobs, the need for developed local markets, the need to improve the levels of effectiveness, productivity, and competitiveness in the economy, and the need to strengthen the local economy. The second group is related to the public sector. These factors are: The importance of solving the government's financial difficulties, the need to limit government interventions in the marketplace to give it more time to concentrate on other roles in society, and the need to reduce, or at least limit, the growth of the public sector.
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Date Issued: 1996
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12441
Subject Headings: Privatization--Saudi Arabia--Case studies, Government business enterprises--Saudi Arabia, Government ownership--Saudi Arabia
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Florida local government compliance with transportation concurrency.
Creator: Liberti, Raymond A., Florida Atlantic University, Mendell, Jay S.
Abstract/Description: Growth management grew as a concept and policy objective in the 1970s and 1980s. The interrelationships of the state and local governments changed when Florida developed growth policy and local government implemented the policy. Nine mandatory elements to be included in a local comprehensive plan and seven mandatory concurrency elements of the 1985 Florida Growth Management Act were expensive elements for local government to implement. As a result, the issue of funding the impacts of growth...
Show moreGrowth management grew as a concept and policy objective in the 1970s and 1980s. The interrelationships of the state and local governments changed when Florida developed growth policy and local government implemented the policy. Nine mandatory elements to be included in a local comprehensive plan and seven mandatory concurrency elements of the 1985 Florida Growth Management Act were expensive elements for local government to implement. As a result, the issue of funding the impacts of growth drove the growth management agenda, leaving the question of compliance. The question is: Did Florida local government comply with the transportation concurrency element of the Florida Growth Management Act? This dissertation analyzed five Florida counties and two Georgia counties to determine whether there was compliance with their respective state transportation policies. The study purposely looked at counties in different stages of growth to determine if the transportation requirements of the Florida Growth Management Act and the Georgia State Planning Act affected local budgets. Transportation is the most expensive element in local government budgets. Development orders would cease without the road capacity to carry the impact of proposed developments, making transportation the linchpin to state growth policies. A visual analysis and a multiple regression analysis were used to evaluate local government compliance with state transportation policy. A two-stage numerical evaluation was used for the visual analysis. The analysis looked for a slope change, a break in the trend, or both, after the impact of the intervention of the interrupted time series. A multiple regression analysis calculated the regression coefficient for a before and after dummy variable. The multiple regression removed the effects of population, interest rates, and road expenditure variables and isolated the effect of the dummy variable to determine local government compliance.
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Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12533
Subject Headings: Urban policy--Florida, Transportation--Planning, Cities and towns--Growth, Florida--Politics and government
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining performance variables of non-governmental organizations.
Creator: Espirito Santo, Sofia do, Florida Atlantic University, Washington, Charles W.
Abstract/Description: Over the past twenty years, there has been a significant increase of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) participating in development activities. However, there does not exist in the literature clear and agreed upon measures of performance of successful or high performing NGOs. This dissertation examines three organizational factors affecting NGO performance: characteristics, strategies, and functions. It employs a Delphi Method and a mail survey of 399 U.S.-based NGOs registered with the...
Show moreOver the past twenty years, there has been a significant increase of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) participating in development activities. However, there does not exist in the literature clear and agreed upon measures of performance of successful or high performing NGOs. This dissertation examines three organizational factors affecting NGO performance: characteristics, strategies, and functions. It employs a Delphi Method and a mail survey of 399 U.S.-based NGOs registered with the United States Agency for International Development as of October 1, 1996. Organizational variables, such as decision-making, organizational structure, span of control and hierarchy, communications, types of interactions, program areas, intervening strategies, and diversified funding are identified and rated as highly relevant to NGO performance by the executive officials of the responding NGOs. The study finds that: (1) specific variables related to the organizational characteristics of NGOs were perceived as more important to high performance than the variables related to the strategies and functions of NGOs; (2) responding NGO executives show a positive orientation (perhaps bias) towards both self-assessment of the level of performance of their NGOs and assessment of the importance of organizational variables identified by the Delphi group and the literature; (3) most executives considered their organizations as high performers, but the relationship between positive self-assessment of performance by NGO executives and the variables that define characteristics, strategies, and functions was found not to be statistically significant; (4) there is not a typical organizational pattern by which NGOs can be described because of their diverse and collaborative operational arrangements. This study provides to the field of public administration, organizational studies, public policy, and development administration a better understanding of organizational variables considered important to NGOs' performance from the viewpoint of NGO executives. It employs a methodology not typically associated with public administration research, and its findings take us one step further in the direction of explaining key organizational factors influencing high performance of NGOs and the variables that define these factors.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11957
Subject Headings: Non-governmental organizations, Nonprofit organizations, Political development
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining the governance and administration of public higher education in Florida: An exploratory study of organizational elite theory.
Creator: O'Flannery, Jennifer Lunardini, Florida Atlantic University, Farazmand, Ali
Abstract/Description: Who has power and control over education, one of the most treasured and significant values of American society? This study examines the presence of the elite power structure in higher education and how organizations are used as instruments of institutional power. The research questions consider the manner in which elites are involved in the policy process and governance, the reasons why elites are so involved in Florida's public higher education, and how elites convey and implement their...
Show moreWho has power and control over education, one of the most treasured and significant values of American society? This study examines the presence of the elite power structure in higher education and how organizations are used as instruments of institutional power. The research questions consider the manner in which elites are involved in the policy process and governance, the reasons why elites are so involved in Florida's public higher education, and how elites convey and implement their priorities and values. An exploratory research approach examines the presence of Farazmand's (1994, 1999) concept of organizational elites by combining qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. The findings support the research propositions. The reason for governance change builds on three factors throughout which power and control persist, a change in membership of the State Cabinet, the Governor's desire to be accountable for education policy, and a lack of confidence in the existing governance system. Trustees advocate for their university and education in general through alumni programs, fundraising, political affiliations, business and research partnerships, and other university and community college boards. Trustees are successful business people, savvy politicians, and well connected to state political leaders. They recognize their collective assets as influence with the Florida legislature, bringing financial order and accountability, and increasing funding and resources. The existence of organizational elites and their effect are seen in several areas: lack of knowledge of trustee meetings and decisions; limited communications, a perceived disconnect between faculty and trustees, a budget process perceived as not being transparent, and a level of decision making at which most staff members are not participants. This study suggests boards work to enhance and improve their communication, outreach, professionalism, and faculty relations. Trustees, elected officials and state leaders must work to resolve the power and organization of the Board of Governors.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12145
Subject Headings: Elite (Social sciences)--Florida, Educational sociology--Florida, Power (Social sciences)--Florida, School management and organization--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: If citizens talk back, do administrators listen? A structural equation model of administrative responsiveness to citizens.
Creator: Alkadry, Mohamad Ghazi, Florida Atlantic University, Miller, Hugh T.
Abstract/Description: This dissertation investigates the potential for discourse between citizens and front-line administrators---those who directly deal with citizens. It focuses on the ability and willingness of public servants to be responsive to citizens with whom they interact. There are two methods of investigation used in this dissertation: theoretical and quantitative. Citizen ability and willingness to participate in this discourse is examined using existing theory. Administrator willingness and ability...
Show moreThis dissertation investigates the potential for discourse between citizens and front-line administrators---those who directly deal with citizens. It focuses on the ability and willingness of public servants to be responsive to citizens with whom they interact. There are two methods of investigation used in this dissertation: theoretical and quantitative. Citizen ability and willingness to participate in this discourse is examined using existing theory. Administrator willingness and ability is examined using theoretical and quantitative methods. The purpose of this dissertation is two-fold. First, it identifies a point of access to administration at which the public is willing and able to participate. In doing so, it attempts to find a point of access and a form of participation that would give able and willing citizens some power in the process. This dissertation examines the concept of citizen "talk back" to administrators at the service delivery stage in public bureaucracies. Second, it examines theoretical assumptions about administrator willingness and ability to act on citizen feedback. According to critiques of technical rational organizations, administrators might be neither willing nor able to process and act upon citizen feedback. First, the dissertation explores the questions of why citizens participate, which citizens participate, how citizens participate, and different manifestations of citizen participation in the field of public administration. Meaningful participation empowers citizens at the same time that it provides information about citizen preferences. Willingness and ability of citizens to participate in the policy and administrative process is essential for meaningful citizen participation. To examine these assumptions, the dissertation presents the results of an analysis of brief interviews with ten citizens. Second, the dissertation explores theoretical arguments about organizational rationality and the effect of the "bureaucratic experience," resulting from administrator-bureaucracy interaction, on administrator willingness to be responsive to citizens. A structural equation model is used to test these theoretical arguments. Data from 147 administrators are collected using a survey instrument of 38 questions. The research results show that the structure of technical rational organizations constrains the ability of administrators to be responsive to citizens. The research also examines the effect of structural enablers, or ability of administrators to respond to citizen talk back, on personal enablers, or the willingness of administrators to respond to citizen talk back.
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Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12634
Subject Headings: Public administration--Citizen participation, Political participation, Bureaucracy
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Hospital closures in Florida between 1965 and 1995: A population ecology approach.
Creator: Ferrando, Mary Beth, Florida Atlantic University, Clare, Donald A.
Abstract/Description: This dissertation utilized population ecology theory to examine a previously untested population: Florida hospitals. It examined hospital closures in Florida between 1965 and 1995. The statistical technique of survival analysis was used to analyze the data developed for the study. The population ecology literature argues that at the macro level, organizations experience various liabilities to their continued survival. This study examined four of these in the Florida hospital population: size,...
Show moreThis dissertation utilized population ecology theory to examine a previously untested population: Florida hospitals. It examined hospital closures in Florida between 1965 and 1995. The statistical technique of survival analysis was used to analyze the data developed for the study. The population ecology literature argues that at the macro level, organizations experience various liabilities to their continued survival. This study examined four of these in the Florida hospital population: size, age, density at closure and density at founding. That is, it looked at the extent to which organizations that were small, mid-size, young, in organizationally dense areas, or established in organizationally dense areas experienced a high risk for mortality compared to other hospitals. The data set for the age and size of Florida hospitals was created using information contained in the 1965 through 1995 annual reports of the American Hospital Association. Hospital locations were geocoded on a map of the state. Density was determined by counting the number of hospitals within a five mile radius of each geocoded location. Two of the propositions suggested in the literature, the liability of age and the liability of density at founding, were confirmed by the survival analysis of the Florida data. Newer hospitals and hospitals founded in organizationally dense areas (five or more hospitals within a five mile radius) experienced a significantly greater incidence of closure than did those which were older or founded in less dense areas. Small hospitals (<100 beds) were also shown to be significantly more likely to close than large ones (>300 beds), as were hospitals located in organizationally sparse areas (no other hospitals in 5 mile radius) compared to those in organizationally dense areas (>5 hospitals in 5 mile radius). The study concluded with an examination of the policy implications of the results. It argued for the addition of a macro, population ecology perspective of hospital closures to existing analytical techniques in order to more fully understand the major risk factors confronting hospitals.
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Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12590
Subject Headings: Hospital closures--Florida, Hospitals--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Performance measurement using trained observer ratings: The effect of environmental variables on comparative measures in local government.
Creator: Giancoli, Donald Patrick, Florida Atlantic University, Thai, Khi V.
Abstract/Description: Comparative performance measurement is an anathema to most government officials. While internal comparison with national benchmarks or other similar agencies is an accepted management analysis tool, public comparisons are deemed too politically risky for all but a few governments, agencies, and non-profits. To avoid the unappealing prospect of being unfavorably ranked versus comparable agencies, governments cite two primary objections. First, performance measurement is considered an inexact...
Show moreComparative performance measurement is an anathema to most government officials. While internal comparison with national benchmarks or other similar agencies is an accepted management analysis tool, public comparisons are deemed too politically risky for all but a few governments, agencies, and non-profits. To avoid the unappealing prospect of being unfavorably ranked versus comparable agencies, governments cite two primary objections. First, performance measurement is considered an inexact science, subject to manipulation of input data and outcome scores that affects comparisons. Second, comparative measurement is considered unfair by governments because they maintain each operates in a unique environment of demographic and physical characteristics beyond their control which have significant effects on their ability to deliver quality services. This research addresses both of these objections to comparative performance measurement. It uses trained observer ratings, an accepted objective measurement system, and utilizes a scoring scheme that results in a ratio variable outcome score appropriate for comparisons and statistical analysis. The model was employed for external random testing of street appearance across 30 governments in Broward County, Florida, eliminating the possibility of manipulation by those being measured. In addition, the research evaluates the effects of twelve independent variables, which measure characteristics of each community's unique environment. The research question is whether the effects of the external environmental factors on the composite street rating scores are so significant as to make comparisons meaningless, as government officials contend. The findings of this research do indicate that white, educated, affluent residents tend to live in cities with better streets and that environment is an important element in street appearance. Further, the standard deviation scores indicate that the more diversity in the environment of a city, the more diversity in the quality of its streets. Nonetheless, the conclusion of the research is that although environment is significant, the methods and findings of the model can be employed to control for environmental effects in future comparative performance efforts to assuage the concerns of governments being compared.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FADT12043
Subject Headings: Local government--Labor productivity, Comparative government--Methodology, Municipal government--United States--Evaluation
Format: Document (PDF)

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